Juris Doctor

The basic requirements to apply for admission are noted below:

An applicant must hold a bachelor's degree from an institution accredited by an agency approved by the Department of Education.

The applicant must submit the Application for Admission electronically to the School of Law. The online application (www.barry.edu/law/apply) must be complete (with all questions answered) and include supporting documentation, if applicable. All required information should be attached before the application is transmitted.

The applicant must submit a personal statement with the electronic Application for Admission. At Barry University School of Law, we value diversity and commitment to public service. Your personal statement may address diversity and a commitment to public service and/or your motivation to attend law school, any obstacles you have overcome, or your goals once your law degree has been awarded. The personal statement should be 600 - 1,200 words. Please do not attach writing samples or other such material to your application. You are encouraged, but not required, to attach a resume.

The applicant must register with the Credential Assembly Services (CAS) at www.lsac.org and submit official transcript(s) from each college or university attended. The applicant also is required to have 1 letter of recommendation included in the CAS report. The letter may be written by a faculty advisor, instructor, employer, commanding officer, or other person who can recommend the applicant on the basis of aptitude for the study of law. CAS reports will not be sent until this information is received. Barry University School of Law’s LSAC School Code is #5830.

The applicant must take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). No LSAT score obtained by the applicant more than 5 years before applying will be accepted.

Applicants have the responsibility to ascertain that all materials have been received by the School of Law.

Barry Law follows a rolling admissions policy. Applications for the Fall semester will be accepted starting September 15 with a priority deadline of May 1. Applications for the Spring semester will be accepted starting March 1 with a priority deadline of November 15. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as all pertinent information is available for review.

A committee composed of Faculty, Dean of Admissions, and the Dean of Barry Law will review applications and make admissions decisions. The Admissions Committee performs a holistic review of all components of the application, including a prospective student’s academic record (undergraduate GPA and LSAT score), personal statement, leadership ability, commitment to public service, employment history, military service, background, diversity, and character and fitness history.

Character and Fitness

In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
The Florida Board of Bar Examiners conducts a rigorous background investigation of all bar applicants to determine their character and fitness to practice law. You are strongly encouraged to consult with the relevant agencies about any incident(s) which may have a bearing on your eligibility for admission into a state bar.